Wednesday, March 16, 2016

7 Safety Reminders For New Homeowners

When you buy a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, protecting your family should be a top priority - even if you only have a family of one. Safety for new homeowners encompasses several different facets, such as protecting yourself from burglary and reducing your risk of fire. Installing a home security system can be great, but there are other easy, cost-effective strategies you can use as well. Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc. is here to help you protect your family with these simple safety reminders.


PROTECTION FROM BURGLARY

1. Change Your Locks
The previous owners will have turned over their two house keys to you at closing, but you can never be sure who else they gave a key to while the house was theirs, nor can you be sure what happened to those extra copies. Just to be safe, we recommend changing the locks on the doors of your new home so you can be confident that the only people with access to your home are the ones whom you give keys to directly.

2. Introduce Yourself To Your Neighbors
When you're traveling, having someone close by to inspect your home if necessary can be a great asset. Shortly after moving in, make it a point to walk down your street and introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Exchange phone numbers and make sure they know that they can always feel free to contact you if they need something. Extending this offer will encourage them to do the same.

3. Lock Your Windows And Doors
This may sound like an obvious tip, but you might be surprised how often burglars access homes simply because the doors or windows weren't locked. A percentage of the population never lock their doors. While it is more common for these people to live in rural areas, some urban and city dwellers also neglect to lock their doors. Because there are so many people who leave their houses unlocked, many burglars will pass by a locked home in search of an easier target. Don't let that target be your property!

4. Don't Announce Your Absence
In today's increasingly digital age, more and more people are posting updates about their impending vacation on social media or sharing pictures from their trip while they are still away. Unfortunately, these types of news blasts are practically an open invitation to anyone of nefarious intent to break into your home while you're away. Keep your home safe by waiting to post about your travels until after you have returned. It's also a good idea to ask the post office to hold your mail and newspaper deliveries until you return.

5. Get A Dog
Good news for pet-lovers! Dogs offer a great level of protection for your home while you're away at work. If your dog barks when a stranger approaches the home, the stranger will probably leave to look for a quiet, unoccupied home. They don't want to risk the dogs giving away their position or - worse - biting and injuring them. If you are willing to consider sharing your home with a dog, your property may be much more protected.

PROTECTION FROM FIRE

6. Check The Batteries In Your Smoke Detectors Regularly
House fires are one of the leading causes for property loss/damage, personal injury, and deaths that occur in the household. Your smoke detectors are your first line of defense against these hazards, as they can provide you with the early warning you need in order to escape. Check your smoke detectors every few months to ensure that all batteries are installed and working properly. If the battery is beginning to weaken, replace it immediately.

7. Keep Fire Extinguishers On Hand
In the event of a fire, having a fire extinguisher easily accessible can mean the difference between a small episode and a devastating house fire. Safety experts recommend keeping a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home. They also recommend keeping an extra one in both the kitchen and the garage, as these are the two primary locations for the start of house fires.

Stay Safe, Everyone!
As your trusted real estate agent in Sunrise Beach MO, your safety is one of our top priorities as well. We will do everything we can to help you find a property that will keep you and your family safe. If you are moving to the Lake of the Ozarks and in search of a new property, contact Eagle's Nest Realty! We would love to help you find your dream home.



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